Laura smiled first.
Of course she did.
It was quick. Controlled. Almost impressive—how fast she recovered.
But not fast enough.
Because for a fraction of a second—
It slipped.
The perfection cracked.
Too bright.
Too rehearsed.
Too exposed.
Dominic noticed.
He always did.
His gaze didn’t leave Emma.
Not when she spoke.
Not when the room shifted.
Not when Laura adjusted beside him like nothing had happened.
“Did I miss a fashion show… or is this your legal strategy now?”
The words lingered.
Not loud.
Not dramatic.
But precise enough to cut through everything else.
Laura let out a soft breath, almost amused.
“Well,” she said lightly, tilting her head, “I didn’t realize we were reviewing appearances today.”
Her voice was smooth. Polished.
Carefully balanced between char
